PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau in a statement on Christmas said:

“Merry Christmas, everyone! This is such a special time of year. A time to gather with loved ones, to celebrate the spirit of the season, and to give thanks for all that is good in the world.

“For Christians, it’s a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and think about his story of kindness, forgiveness, and faith. The lessons of his life are universal, and they inspire and comfort people every time they’re told – and retold.

“For you, the holidays may be a time of big family gatherings and feasts, of gifts and celebrations. But maybe it’s a very hard time. If you’re grieving, worried, or alone, this can be the toughest time of the year. It can be the loneliest. So let’s all check in on the people in our lives who have not had an easy time this year, and who may need us more than we know.

“As we reflect on the past year and look to the future, let us continue to show love and kindness – to ourselves and to those in need. Let us also take a moment to thank those who give so much of themselves to make Canada the place we are proud to call home, including the brave members of our Canadian Armed Forces, the dedicated first responders and essential workers, and the countless volunteers. Thank you, to all of you.

“I wish joy to everyone who is celebrating today, and comfort to those who are suffering. Wherever you are, I hope you find light and hope for the year ahead. Merry Christmas.”

PREMIER David Eby said:

“Excitement is building throughout the province as families – including mine – make their final preparations for Christmas.

“Tomorrow, Christians will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. They will attend special church services, gather with loved ones and reflect on the Lord’s teachings of peace, love and service to others. It is these universal values that inspire people from a variety of backgrounds to get in the Christmas spirit.

“Throughout this holiday season, British Columbians are enjoying Christmas celebrations and giving back to their communities. I want to thank everyone who has stepped up to make it a merry Christmas for others, whether you sponsored a family in need, volunteered at a community kitchen or donated to a Christmas hamper, toy drive or food bank. This generosity is at the heart of Christianity – and at the heart of Christmas.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for those who are missing a loved one at the table. This season, I have been thinking about my friends and colleagues John Horgan and Dan Coulter as well as their families, who are facing their first Christmas without them. For anyone who is feeling the pain of loss over holidays, my heart goes out to you.

“It is a special Christmas for my family as it is our first with five stockings hung by the fire after baby Gwen joined us earlier this year. Tonight, we will gather around our Christmas tree in matching jammies and put out some treats for Santa and the reindeer. I will savour this special time with my family – and I hope you will, too.

“From my family to yours, merry Christmas!”

CONSERVATIVE Party Leader Pierre Poilievre said:

“This day is sacred for millions of Canadians. From coast to coast to coast, Christian families come together to mark the birth of their Messiah.

“Christmas is the story of a long-awaited Saviour, who came into the world among the poorest and most humble. It is the story of wise men and shepherds who were amazed to find that, in the words of one famous carol, ‘the King of kings lay thus in lowly manger’.

“Canada is blessed to be home to so many wonderful Christmas traditions. Whether their ancestors were from Kent or Kerala, from Angola or Anjou, or have been stewarding these lands since time immemorial, each Christian community and family has their own way of marking this date. And many who do not share their faith nonetheless enjoy the warm and festive spirit of this season.

“Christmas is a holiday deeply connected with giving. Not just exchanging presents under the Christmas tree, but sharing one’s time and treasure with the most vulnerable in our communities. Today, we think of those Canadians who are giving up their Christmas in the service of others – of our emergency services, essential workers and especially the brave men and women of our Canadian Armed Forces.

“On behalf of Canada’s Common Sense Conservatives, I want to wish everyone celebrating today a very merry Christmas.”

FEDERAL NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said:

“Today, as families and loved ones come together to share a meal, exchange gifts and spend time with one another, let us all think about the power of compassion, love and looking out for each other.

“Those values are fundamental for Christians. This time of year, Christians remember the story of Christ and are reminded to live by his example. For millions of Canadians, that means donating, volunteering in their community or finding their own way to show kindness to those around them – beautiful traditions that bring out the very best in us.

“From my family to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas filled with warmth and joy.”